Crafting Crimes Review: What Players Are Saying on the Quest Store

A new format accessible to everyone

Players downloaded Crafting Crimes expecting a standard true crime documentary in VR and found something that goes well beyond. The experience asks you to build a miniature crime scene with your hands while listening to a narrated investigation. It's part podcast, part diorama construction, part crime scene walkthrough.

Several reviewers describe showing it to people who had never used a Meta Quest before: partners, parents, friends who don't play games. The hand tracking means there's nothing to explain. Put the headset on, reach out, start building. Multiple reviews mention this as a standout feature: it's one of the few VR experiences they can share with anyone.

What people love

The storytelling gets consistent praise. Carol K. Ras, the host and miniaturist, narrates each episode with a tone that reviewers describe as engaging without being sensational. This is something deeply important for an experience around crimes. She explains the historical details, walks you through the evidence, and guides the building process without hand-holding. The writing is credited with treating the real cases respectfully.

Hand tracking is the other element players highlight most. Building the crime scenes feels physical in a way that controller-based interactions don't. Players mention the satisfaction of placing walls, arranging furniture, and positioning evidence, then stepping back to see the completed diorama on their table. The gesture system is simple (pinch to grab, release to place) and it works so naturally.

The scale shift is the moment most reviews call out specifically. After building a miniature on your table, you shrink down and step inside it at full scale. Walking through rooms you just assembled from above changes your perspective on the crime scene. It's the mechanic that makes players say "you have to try this yourself."

The 20-minute format also gets positive mentions. Each episode is the length of a podcast episode. You don't need to commit an afternoon. Players describe doing an episode in a single session and finding the pacing tight, with no filler sections and no grinding.

More episodes on the way

The most common criticism is length, but in a good way... players want more! Two episodes are available now, with a third premiering at SXSW 2026, and reviewers consistently ask for more cases and faster releases...we're working on it!

Is it for me?

Based on the reviews, Crafting Crimes resonates with three groups: true crime fans who listen to podcasts and want a more immersive format, VR owners looking for something beyond games and fitness apps, and people new to VR who need an entry point that doesn't require gaming experience.

It's not for everyone. If you want fast action, competitive gameplay, or lengthy open-world exploration, this isn't that. It's a 20-minute narrative experience you build with your hands. The people who love it really love it, and the 4.6 rating reflects that.

Episode 1 is free

The Lizzie Borden episode is free. It's the full experience (narration, building, scale shift, investigation) with no paywalls or limited features. It's the best way to decide if the format works for you before picking up Episode 2, the Wonderland Murders.